[BouncingRadical]

Hello, I’m a beginning rider and am looking for a bike to start with. Next week I am going to go to some dealerships around here. I really like dual sports, the Suzuki DRZ400 to be more specific, but I am still open.

Since I have never been motorcycle shopping, I was wondering what kind of questions I should ask. Questions for new and used bikes. Are there tell-tale signs I should look for in a used bike in the lot which say stay away, or runs good,or if they are trying to rip me off?

I am 6′ and my weight bounces between 145 and 155. I’m not looking for something for the interstate, mostly city travel and (rough) back highways. A little dirt every now and then up at the levees would be killer as well.

Again I’d like to say this site is extremely helpful. Thanks for ya’ll’s time

[Munch]

Known history for the used kind. Also find a site ( I will have to look through my bookmarks) that can give recall statuses of bikes your looking at. Obviously scratches and dents. Excessive discoloration on pipes. Paint showing slight variations in tint.
Always ask for warranties, if any and what EXACTLY they cover. Or better what they don’t cover.
These days the internet gives you an advantage. Ask to look at the bike out in natural lighting, showroom lights can hide scratches or mis match paint by exaggerating the polish, nice trick they learned form Jewelry stores.
Best advice I can give….shop with an empty wallet. Find something you like… talk to the owner or sales rep and get a little bit of movement going in paperwork direction…never anything that will trap you into HAVING to buy it. Then……. go out to eat and then a movie. Allow yourself to get distracted enough to think it through…still want it…. the wait will be shorter since the ball got rolling earlier and the sales man couldn’t sell it from under you. Change your mind…..well you shouldn’t have signed for anything just yet so your not married to it… walk out.
For the ultimate beginner… ask what local laws are for delivery, License required or just someone who is licensed? If not required…can they deliver it if your not comfortable riding it home for the first time? Kick around an idea of maintenance program and really think through wether its worth the investment….. that is if they offer one.
ok brain shutting down…5 hours til I go to work…. need to catch a nap… I am sure others will fill in the blanks and add more…..

Yesterday is a memory, tomorrow is a prediction, but today…… is a Bi**h

[SantaCruzRider]

A buddy of mine has a DRZ400 and loves it. He does a lot of off road. He’s also comfortable riding freeway for decent stretches on the way to something more interesting. He weighs more than 200lbs and it has no problem getting him moving.

One drawback of the bike is that it’s such a popular model that used ones hold their very really well. Because of that, I would be sure to get a mechanic to inspect anything that looks like an “incredible” deal.

[BouncingRadical]

I went looking around the other day at the dealerships here and the surrounding cities. Your suggestions where helpful, but it seems there was only one used bike heh. Also wierdly it was not at all like a car dealership where people swoop down on you, it was the opposite, the first two noone even talked to us, while the other 2 where very helpful. I’m thinking of going to mississippi to see what they have as I am in no rush since the next class to get my motorcycle sponorship is not for quite a while. If i select one sooner I will just have to keep it to the dirt. Again thanks for ya’lls help!

[BouncingRadical]

I purchased a bike today. I selected an ’09 KLX250S. I am picking it up tomorrow and am so excited I probably won’t sleep!

[Munch]

Grats!!! been in that same position… no sleep equaled no riding the next day…. soooo a small shot of something to help insured I got to ride…. and got rid of an on coming cold.

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Common sense exists!!! Problem is -if the ones around me are setting the bar
……. I am a genius!
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[dcJohn]

It looks like a ton of fun. Happy riding!

[Author]

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